Superintendent highlights early-childhood services: 0–3 program, preschool and parent education

During the superintendent’s report at the April 8 meeting, district administrators described the district’s early-childhood programming, including a 0–3 home-visiting program and preschool/parent-education offerings that the board said reach families beyond school instruction.

The 0–3 home-visiting program currently serves 37 families and 42 infants and toddlers, the superintendent said. Staff identify families based on income, teen-parent status, or child health issues and provide weekly home visits that model parent–child interaction, promote language development and connect families to outside resources and early-intervention services. The program uses a curriculum the transcript identifies as “Erin's Teacher” and partners with community organizations including the Northern Illinois Food Bank and United Way for material supports; staff also mentioned a DoorDash partnership for delivering backpacks and supplies.

The preschool and parent-education programs serve children ages 3 to 5 and include tuition-based preschool slots that maintain a waiting list; staff-run activities include playgroups, parent cafés and a “kindness closet” of donated items. Administrators credited staff members Rosa and Christina with building community connections and coordinating resources for families.

Board members praised the programs as examples of how the district supports families beyond classroom instruction and noted the work demonstrates the district’s community role. The transcript includes several expressions of thanks to staff and a recognition of staff member Tricia Lewis for grant work supporting the program.

No formal action was taken on these program descriptions during the meeting; they were presented as part of the superintendent’s report.